Ezekiel 20:44 (ESV) “And you shall know that I am the LORD, when I deal with you for my name’s sake, not according to your evil ways, nor according to your corrupt deeds, O house of Israel, declares the Lord GOD.”

I love history. I enjoy reading books about history, and when traveling, I make it a point to stop and read historical placards to learn about the city I’m visiting. History is vital for us to learn the roots of our stories, but the most important history, though, is God’s story — His-story — written in His Word. He writes all of history and is the Author of our faith. (Hebrews 12:2)

Israel’s history, like a historical placard, lures us to these spiritual roots, as outlined uniquely in Ezekiel 20. God weaves His-story throughout this passage, reminding the Israelites of their rebellious past and His future plans of restoration.

Israel’s Past Rebellion The historical timestamp in the first verse highlights the year of King Jehoiachin of Judah’s exile in 591 B. C. Ezekiel, who is about 25 years old, prophesies during a time of great confusion after the Babylonians’ exile of the young king. Then and now, prophets emerge in times of crisis to bring God’s message to His people.

Some of the elders of Israel sat before the prophet Ezekiel to inquire of the Lord three times, and God denies their requests. (Ezekiel 20:3) Throughout the passage, the elders of Israel are reminded of their nation’s rampant idolatry in three geographical places:

1. In Egypt (Ezekiel 20: 1-9) The Lord had promised to take the two million-plus Israelites out of Egypt into the Promised Land, “the most glorious of all lands” (Ezekiel 20:6).

2. In the wilderness (Ezekiel 20:10-26) The 40-year journey to the epic Promised Land should have taken 11 days (Deuteronomy 1:2) but was prolonged because of their rebellion.

3. In Canaan, the Promised Land (Ezekiel 20:27-32) Even after entering the Promised Land, the Israelites continued to rebel, (Ezekiel 20:28-31) just as we do today. Yet we see that while God initially rejected Israel’s inquiries, He promised future restoration.

Israel’s Future Restoration Our redeeming Lord promises to restore us as He did for Israel. After Israel’s history of continual sin, idolatry and rebellion, a hopeful pivot begins in Ezekiel 20:33.

The Lord declares with “a mighty hand and an outstretched arm” that He will pour out His wrath, be King over the Israelites and gather them from countries where they are scattered (Ezekiel 20:33-34).

As harsh as this language may seem, Israel is God’s chosen nation, whom He loves, protects and disciplines. (Deuteronomy 14:2; 1 Kings 10:9; Psalm 47:4; 135:4; Romans 11:1-2)

The key verse of today’s teaching declares from our God both His sovereignty and grace in the way He “deals” with us for His name’s sake, not according to our sin or our corrupt deeds. To emphasize God’s sovereignty, eight times within Ezekiel 20 the phrase“I am the LORD” or “I am the LORD your God” is repeated. God loves us; He wants the Israelites and us to know we are His.

As the Lord our God, He promises to restore and strengthen us. Even Ezekiel’s name appropriately means in Hebrew, “God will strengthen.” His name is perfect for a prophet proclaiming a message of uncompromising judgment and later a strong restoration for God’s sake, not Israel’s or ours.

Failure and judgment are not the end of Israel’s story or our story. Our redeeming Lord promises to restore us as He did Israel’s sinful history. May we receive this redemptive gift of Jesus today and let God write His-story in our lives.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for writing Your story and my life story so graciously. I confess idolatry and rebellion. You are the Great Redeemer. Thank You for loving me, even when I’m lost in rebellious sin like the Israelites. You are sovereign, merciful and mighty. Thank You for making Your story for Your glory and our joy through Your Son Jesus. In Jesus’ name, amen.